How and when to introduce solids - video

Your baby only needs breast milk or infant formula for the first 6 months. At around 6 months, you can start to introduce solid foods to your baby.

Tips on introducing solids

  • Babies only need breast milk or formula for the first 6 months.
  • At around 6 months, but not before 4 months, you can start to introduce solid foods.
  • Your baby is ready for solids when they can sit up on their own in a highchair and shows an interest in food.
  • Start with a small amount of soft pureed food once a day after a breast or formula feed.
  • At around 8 to 9 months, move to mashed foods with lumps and texture.
  • Allergy foods can be introduced at the same time and should be introduced before your baby is 12 months.
  • Aim for lots of variety — colour, texture and taste are all important.

For advice and support, speak to your doctor, midwife or child health nurse.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Last reviewed: June 2022

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